Not everything I like is suitable for the above venues, but the stuff that is is often remarked upon as being 'pleasantly different', 'lovely to listen to' or 'what is this music, I want it'. So for those of you who have asked but can't remember what I said, can remember but can't find it, or have never heard of any of it but are for some reason curious as to what sort of music I like, this page contains links to the albums I never tire of and love working to, and tiny weeny reviews from me about them. I've even been clever and made the pictures into Amazon links to save you searching, so if you want to listen to samples or buy, just hover or click!
Afro Celt Sound System Volume 1: Sound Magic
I discovered the Afro Celt Sound System about in 1999 and instantly knew I'd found my music heaven. I used to think their music was a bit of an acquired taste, but the more people that hear my albums and enjoy them, the more I realise they are actually more main stream than I thought.Classed as 'World Music', the tracks are mostly instrumental, and are comprised of exactly what the group's name hints at - it's a fusion of African and Celtic music, blended with all sorts of different themes from all over the world - dance, reggae, relaxation, easy listening... none of these genre titles do justice the the delights hidden in the album.
Afro Celt Sound System Volume 2: Release
I thought Volume 1 was marvellous, and then I discovered there was more! The second album is more of the same yet totally and completely different. The haunting tones of singer Sinead O'Connor over the intertwined African and dance drum beats plus assorted instruments of very distinctive nationalities in the title track somehow manages to make you want to dance and chill out all at the same time. Like the first volume, a wonderful mixture of styles throughout the album.
Afro Celt Sound System Volume 3: Further In Time
When I only had the first three albums, this one was my favourite. There are a few more songs on this one than the others, enjoying some big name guests in Peter Gabriel in 'When You're Falling', Robert Plant in 'Life Begins Again'. Like all the others, this offers music the like of which you cannot find anywhere else, but with heavy weight guesting singers and the introduction of beautiful Celtic styled laments, this could possibly be described as the most mainstream of their early albums, not that any of them contain anything that could be thought of as weird or 'too specialised' - it's all simply different and marvellous.
